INDIANAPOLIS—Goodyear and the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing are strengthening their exclusive tire supply agreement by displaying the NASCAR logo on four sizes of the tire maker's Eagle #1 performance tires. ``We realize the benefits of racing when we transfer that technology to what we sell,'' said William Sharp, president of Goodyear's North American Tires unit, during an Aug. 5 press conference.
Since 1997, Goodyear has exclusively supplied tires for NASCAR's top three racing series: Winston Cup, Busch and Craftsman Truck. The tire maker produces about 120,000 racing tires a year for NASCAR at its Technical Center in Akron.
Marco Molinari, Goodyear vice president for sales and marketing, said the licensing agreement ``takes our partnership to a new level and targets the booming performance tire market.''
Seeing the NASCAR logo on an Eagle tire mounted on a street car was ``quite a thrill,'' said Michael Helton, NASCAR senior vice president and COO.
Mr. Molinari said the NASCAR logo will appear in bright gold lettering on one sidewall of the special edition Eagle #1 tires, and in black on the reverse.
Beginning next spring, Goodyear will offer the S-rated, all-season tires in sizes P205/65R15, P205/55R16, P235/55R16 and P225/60R16. Four more sizes will be added in midyear.
NASCAR President Bill France said the new tire strengthens ties with Goodyear and builds upon NASCAR's goal of aligning with top branded aftermarket products.